Frugal solutions: Save on water; qualify for tax credits

Stay cool and hydrated without spending too much cash. And learn about Energy Star-related tax breaks.

Wynne Everett

Bottled vs. tap

Stay cool and hydrated without spending too much cash.

• Drinking straight out of the tap is the cheap.
• Consider a reuseable water bottle. Durable plastic and aluminum bottles can cost you about $8 to $12.
• Drinking bottled water because your tap water tastes funny? Get a faucet filter for $25 to $40.

Credit for upgrades

As part of the stimulus package, buying qualified Energy-Star-rated appliances and other home elements can earn you a $1,500 tax break. Here are the details:

• You can qualify for a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of your qualified upgrade, with a maximum annual credit of $1,500.

• Credits apply to single-family homes that are your primary residence — there are some exceptions.

• Not all appliance with an Energy Star rating qualifies for the tax credit, so check to see if your purchase is energy efficient enough to get the deal.

• Among the items eligible for the tax credit are new windows, doors, skylights, insulation, solar water heaters and metal or asphalt roofs.